When you leave the military, do you or will you still do PT?

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 03:42:47 -0500

After I retired I took about a year break. However, I did start back exercising. just wondering if its common to do PT in post-military life? For the current service member do you see yourself doing PT when you leave?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 4:22 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 04:22:55 -0500

I will definitely continue to stay in shape as it makes me feel good but it also keeps my multiple injuries at bay.

I am concerned that if I stop I will not be able to function anymore.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 4:27 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 04:27:45 -0500

The PT I would not classify even close to Military PT.

The Army would crap their pants if they knew I constantly squat, deadlift and bench heavy. Like an overbearing mother they would spout "But your knees! Your back, your shoulders!"

I plan on leaving a heavy coffin long after my military career!

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 6:51 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 06:51:07 -0500

If you heed no other bit of advice please heed this...Keep up with the PT. It doesn't matter what you do as long as you do it. I let myself when I got out of the Army so many years ago. At my peak, I was almost 400 lbs at my highest weight. I can show you the picture. With diet and exercise, determination, and sheer hard work, I've lost to date 165 lbs. I kickboxing and Muay Thai 3 days a week and have started running again and doing weights. So I say from experience, don't let this go. You and your health are worth it!

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Feb 22 at 2015 12:21 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 12:21:16 -0500

Yes, not the same PT I was forced to do 5 days a week, but the PT I learned about in Master Fitness Trainer School in 1991, or later as an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and now as a 50 years old, a semi retired Infantry Sergeant Major, 4 combat deployments, almost a 100 parachute jumps, years of abuse to my body.. I’ve broken or fractured bones in both feet, legs, left arm, left hand and spine, left patella, over the years, concussed, punctured lung, broken ribs, fingers and eye socket.. Raced off road motorcycles and crashed my fair bit.. Been mortared, shot at, rocketed, blown up and slept in the snow of Alaska, Deserts of Iraq, sand storms of Kuwait and mountains of Afghanistan.
Pain is a way of life, exercise as part of physical training (training and exercise is NOT the same thing) help ensure I continue to be physically active..and without that...I have little reason to get up in the morning.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 12:30 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 12:30:13 -0500

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA That depends on what you mean by PT. I see myself doing activities similar to exercises, such as yoga, martial arts, gardening, volunteer work, and so on.

BTW, nobody can @ your name because it doesn't come up from the automated list. But your # is 426672. That's how I link your ID.

Response by CW2 John Brookins made Feb 22 at 2015 1:10 PM

CW2 John Brookins — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 13:10:25 -0500

Retired about 4 years ago. While I have taken short breaks I still do PT. Not quite the same but still run and lift a bit. If I don't work out I feel terrible. Plus keeping the pounds off when your older is much harder when doing nothing.

Response by SSG David Shifflett made Feb 22 at 2015 1:11 PM

SSG David Shifflett — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 13:11:03 -0500

Like Lisa said "Keep up with the PT", I am paying one Hella of a price for it. Type 2 diabetes, Obesity, and everything else. I have lost 65 lbs and I am getting better. I hope everyone does the same. Our nation maybe calling on us again. HOOAH

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 1:18 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 13:18:31 -0500

Gotta stay out on the PT trail. Unless you're blessed with incredible genes, Father Time will catch up and start making you (and me) fat and out of shape without some sort of PT. I'm living proof of that. And then there are the health implications of not doing something.

I'm often amazed at people who do zero PT, sometimes all their adult lives, and then wonder why health problems arise earlier than normal. This is another benefit of putting years in, in the military: we know the benefits of PT and we have at least been shown that it's doable. Oh, and we've had a bit of discipline instilled in us ... to help with the "doing it" piece.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 1:20 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 13:20:38 -0500

Heck yeah, I do my 5 mile runs once a week, and work out pretty hard during the week, sometimes twice a day.

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Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Feb 22 at 2015 1:21 PM

PO1 John Meyer, CPC — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 13:21:40 -0500

You know it! I refuse to become a part of those who leave the military and end up becoming obese. I saw enough of that with a good number of civilians I've worked with who were veterans while I was active duty. Besides, it's also my way of stress control. I focus all the negative BS that happened to me at work, which motivates me and gets me through my workout.

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Feb 22 at 2015 1:29 PM

LTC Hillary Luton — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 13:29:32 -0500

Yup, still do. Maybe not the same type of PT, but I still like to workout and stay in shape. At least now its not about taking a PT test. Its just about being healthy and keeping my weight down.

Response by SPC Neil Hood made Feb 22 at 2015 1:31 PM

SPC Neil Hood — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 13:31:48 -0500

PT keeps you alive. I love beer and burgers so much that PT will be a lifelong commitment if I want to stick around.

Response by SGT Edwin Claudio made Feb 22 at 2015 2:48 PM

SGT Edwin Claudio — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 14:48:20 -0500

I believe it's in our nature. May not be getting up at O'dark 30, but I think we all do it.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Feb 22 at 2015 2:57 PM

MSgt Michael Durkee — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 14:57:16 -0500

Due to my Service connected disabilities, I don't hit the gym but I do walk whenever possible. I make every attempt to walk up a flight of stairs, and down two. I'm not always capable, but I do try.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Feb 22 at 2015 3:22 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 15:22:17 -0500

SFC Jackson, I found it difficult because of some S/C injuries I had. I wish I had kept it up, though, because now I'm falling apart...

In that vein, anyone out there in the Olympia WA area feel like being a PT buddy, to help motivate this broken old sailor get in better shape?

Response by LTC Paul Heinlein made Feb 22 at 2015 3:23 PM

LTC Paul Heinlein — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 15:23:13 -0500

Yes, I still do PT. My after retirement job requires me to maintain a certain level of physical fitness, which is a good motivator to get into the gym. I lift weights and do cardio 4-5 times a week. Although, most of my Cardio is other than Running. I only run (ten minutes at a time, 2-3 times a week) enough to make sure I can when I have a PT test. Best Part, I no longer have weigh ins, so I can focus on overall fitness versus body weight.

Response by SSG Buddy Kemper made Feb 22 at 2015 5:59 PM

SSG Buddy Kemper — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 17:59:26 -0500

I wanna do more and more PT....but these Infantry knees and back REALLY talk to me these last 2 years!!!

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 22 at 2015 7:15 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 19:15:41 -0500

I can honestly say I stopped working out more because I did not have to any longer. However, it is time for me to get out from behind a computer screen and get my fat lazy fourth point of contact in shape. This begins 1 March 2015 or that is the plan.

Response by SFC Gary Comstock made Feb 22 at 2015 7:47 PM

SFC Gary Comstock — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 19:47:58 -0500

I just retired like March. I have been doing PT on and off. I wanted to take a year off also. I am playing to start my PT program again once the weather gets warmer.

Response by SSG Paul Lanciault made Feb 22 at 2015 8:08 PM

SSG Paul Lanciault — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 20:08:21 -0500

I'm still up first thing in the morning and find it the best part of the day. As far as PT, I did for a while and discovered I hated it. Started riding my mountain bike instead, and now my kids enjoy bike riding as much as I do.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Feb 22 at 2015 9:04 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 21:04:34 -0500

I will still maintain some form of conditioning PT to maintain my health and fitness. Likely I will be biking a lot to save the wear and tear on the body from running all the time. After I retire, I will do my best to train up to run 5Ks, 10Ks and eventually a half-marathon. I just want to conquer my personal fitness goals and stay healthy. I will then be able to work out more consistently at the gym too with a set schedule each week. I don't have to be fast at running however, I will have the heart and determination to fulfill my goals as I always have done. If anything, I can take up swimming at the pool.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Feb 22 at 2015 9:42 PM

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 21:42:09 -0500

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA Mike... never even took a break. That being said a few things have snuck up on me and I have to back off where I can have some physical evals done... but am still doing Martial Arts and weights. Unfortunately I see many that just "stop" and that doesn't end well... especially with the weight.

Response by MSgt Joanna Clute made Feb 23 at 2015 9:59 AM

MSgt Joanna Clute — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 09:59:32 -0500

Absolutely. And it's better because I can listen to my body and do lots of different activities I might not have tried while I was in.

Response by SSG Jeanne Hatten made Feb 23 at 2015 10:29 AM

SSG Jeanne Hatten — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 10:29:33 -0500

I think that PT is what I miss the most, although I've never being a good runner, the early morning workouts kept me pumped up for the day... Now that in a veteran, I have changed gears, I workout, follow a meal plan, I Don't run that much, but I do cardio and lift heavy weights... The army lifestyle still goes on

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 12:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 12:20:29 -0500

I want to say ill will be fat and happy, I used to work out for fun but the military tends to suck the fun out of physical fitness.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 12:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 12:28:27 -0500

Keep Healthy! Retired 14 y now, have exercised 3 to 5 times a week. I started out doing TaeKwonDo till about 3 years ago. Now i go to the Y and mix it up, im lifting more now than i ever did, but have to settle for the stationary bike in lue of running.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 1:22 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 13:22:39 -0500

Oh Hell NO! When I left the military after the every morning ritual of chasing goblins for 10 miles or humping those damn duffel bags full of all your gear all over hell's half acre. I said the only way I would ever run again, was if they had a bigger gun then I had. And it was Ditto for the shaving!

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Feb 23 at 2015 2:07 PM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 14:07:12 -0500

PT as in accordance with FM 7-22? No. PT as doing what I want to meet my own personal goals? Hell yes.

Response by CPL Brendan Hayes made Feb 23 at 2015 4:30 PM

CPL Brendan Hayes — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 16:30:01 -0500

I run 5 or 6 times a week for 25+ miles per week. I did some weight training for a while until shoulder issues, and by extension my ortho surgeon, put an end to that. It allows me to enjoy the food and drinks I like.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 5:52 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 17:52:10 -0500

I actually do more PT now that I'm out. However, that could be due to the fact that I'm fighting to get back in. Though, I'm a firm a believer to continue your PT because your health is just about all you have!

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Feb 24 at 2015 4:22 AM

PO1 Rick Serviss — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 04:22:48 -0500

Not if I want to avoid a heart attack.

Response by CW2 Eric Kline made Feb 24 at 2015 8:17 AM

CW2 Eric Kline — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:17:02 -0500

every morning makes the day fresh, and the weekends even better

Response by Sgt Christopher Allen made Feb 24 at 2015 4:54 PM

Sgt Christopher Allen — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 16:54:35 -0500

PT Everyday even after I got out. I refuse to let me health go down the drain. We worked hard to stay in shape and it's now pretty fun staying that way. I sleep great at night, use all of my energy everyday and wake up refreshed and ready to take on another day.

Response by SGT Richard B Smith made Feb 24 at 2015 8:58 PM

SGT Richard B Smith — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 20:58:55 -0500

I was on active duty for four years and served with the 82nd and the 10th. While I hated doing PT in the beginning it made me a better person and became part of an almost daily routine that I have continued for the last 28 years since I left the service. I'm 51 now and I still run, lift weights and perform "the pushup".

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 24 at 2015 10:36 PM

COL Charles Williams — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 22:36:19 -0500

NOOOOOO... Never... Actually I have to. I do it for personal reasons now, and not as intense, but I also wear a uniform to work (Class B) and never want to look old and fat... I can't really stop old...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2015 10:41 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 22:41:15 -0500

Being retired for 18 yrs now.. I will say yes, I still do PT, no not the five a week, 0630 uinit PT formation we all know and remember. Since retiring, I've done smart PT, which has allowed my body to maintain the weight I carried when I retired; Smart exercise and watching what I eat and allows me to fit into my the same Class A uniform I wore when I retired. Becoming smart about exercise as a Physical Fitness Trainer for the Air Force after retiring; and learning what how to exercise and not continue to do damage to the knees, achilles, back, etc that took a beating after years or running in boots, jumping from planes and the beating that the body takes as a career combat arms Soldier.

Get exercise smart! Watch "How" you eat, yet, enjoy the foods you like. At 60, I still play tournament racquetball (not every weekend); continue as a racquetball instructor and competitive player. I hit the weight room regularily, but don't try to lift all the weights in the gym; I do not do any long distance running anymore as the knees and achilles can't take the pounding anymore; but I do cardio (cross tainer/treadmill and other non pounding aroebic and anarobic training.

It can get to the point that when you don't do it...you miss it!

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Apr 18 at 2015 2:48 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 14:48:09 -0400

I was blessed with a fast metabolism and cursed with a dislike of running.

July 1989 Joined the Army, weighed about 130#

March 1994, Camp Humphreys Korea I ran a 10 minute 2 mile on a PT test, Weighted @ 165#.
June 1994, ETS

Dec 2012 Weighed 230# and got a 120# dog that had to be walked every day (really he would drag me huffing and puffing about 3 miles every morning).

Dec 2013 Finally realized what "Carbs" were and quit drinking Mt Dew.

July 2014 (20 year aniversary) of ETS: Fit in my Class "A" Uniform @ 167#

Present day: 170# (ish) Adding muscle weightlifting with my High School son... Can't let him bench press more than me right?

***I still hate running.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Aug 10 at 2015 11:45 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 11:45:48 -0400

Hell yah

Response by SFC Chad Sowash made Aug 10 at 2015 12:00 PM

SFC Chad Sowash — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 12:00:38 -0400

Of course!

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Aug 10 at 2015 1:32 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 13:32:24 -0400

Just remember not to overdo the PT. I found that as I got older, those sub-50 second quarter miles were a thing of the past.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 10 at 2015 2:57 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 14:57:25 -0400

I lift weights but refuse to run.

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Aug 10 at 2015 3:04 PM

MSgt Jim Wolverton — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 15:04:55 -0400

I try to run 4-5 times during the week for an hour per run and then a 2 hour run on the weekend. Due to should issues, I refrain from pushups completely though.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 5:51 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 17:51:27 -0400

I will definitely still do PT. I'm 47, have one full marathon and two half-marathons under my belt, am signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon in DC later this year, and have my sights set on a sprint triathlon in October. I'm fighting age as hard as I can. My goal is to complete an Ironman Tri the year I turn 50. God willing, anyway! haha

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 10 at 2015 10:29 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 22:29:46 -0400

Physical fitness doesn't care if we on active guy or occupation. It keeps the mind and body fit.

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Aug 10 at 2015 10:39 PM

SA Harold Hansmann — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 22:39:47 -0400

Nope, got fat and lazy

Response by PVT Andrew Burd made Aug 24 at 2017 2:20 PM

PVT Andrew Burd — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 14:20:22 -0400

I haven't done PT since I left.. I am active, used to work a metal shop, but lately I've been maintaining the 4th point of contact too much... I'm not fat, but I'm definitely out of fucking shape. It's kinda bad because the girl I'm seeing does yoga.. she could kick my ass.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Aug 24 at 2017 3:11 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 15:11:30 -0400

What's PT ?

Response by SSG Shavonde Chase made Jun 28 at 2020 8:03 PM

SSG Shavonde Chase — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 20:03:01 -0400

I still like working on staying healthy as I intend to live 100. Want be able to do that if I become a coach potato.